How do you define passion in your life? Is your work your passion? Take a step back and gauge it. If it’s AWOL, it’s time to find it again. And if, by Day 3 of the IDEA World Fitness Convention®, yours has not been renewed, it’s probably time for a bit of soul searching. I’m pleased to say that mine is in overdrive today. After talking to members, presenters and Fitness and Wellness Expo exhibitors over the past few days, my creative tank is overflowing and I have a million ideas for content to share with you in the coming year. It’s been an excellent week. Perhaps Blondes Do Have More Fun This discussion of passion was sparked by the session I just came from: Lessons Learned From Fitness Celebrities. A triple cocktail of fitness legends (each one part blonde bombshell, one part brains and one part pure drive)—including Judi Sheppard Missett, Kathy Smith and Tamilee Webb—shared the most important lessons learned on each of their respective rises to fame and fortune. They presented with so much heart and humor that I didn’t think the room could hold any more of their amazing energy. Here’s a nugget from each, but note that these women could easily finish each other’s sentences. In fact, during Q & A, one delegate asked whether they had ever considered collaborating on a project, because their messages were so synergistic. Judi answered with a quick laugh saying "You know, I was just thinking the same thing…" From Judi: "Passion and family have been integral to my success. Jazzercize is how I weave my passion for dance together with the support, inspiration and motivation I get from my family."From Kathy: "Passion is what drove me in the beginning when I first discovered running and it’s what has continued to drive me to this day. If you have a dream you’re pursuing, think about the elements of your dream and the skills you may need to make it happen. Take a look at yourself and figure out what areas need work. Take classes and workshops to improve those areas. Don’t be afraid to fail. You can be afraid but still do it. From Tamilee: "You never know who is going to be that sixth degree of separation in your life. We are all connected. It’s not about keeping it all to yourself. It’s about opening up and giving it out. Share your information and your experience."What are the favorite lessons learned in your career? What are your secrets to success? I invite you to share your thoughts on this by posting a comment on this blog. Cardio Training for Clients With Multiple ConditionsTraining special populations requires special trainers with elevated knowledge on chronic conditions and the fallout that affects disease sufferers. One of these conditions that seems to be surfacing more often and that PFTs need to be aware of is fibromyalgia. Of several conditions covered by faculty member Cody Sipe, PhD, this one stirred up a lot of questions. Sipe offered these standards for training clients who have been diagnosed with it:

Low-intensity cardio (NuStep, bike, walking)

Warm water exercise

Aerobic classes might not work well

Avoid exercise or go low on days with flare-ups

Stretching and self-myofascial release may ease trigger points

Add newer exercises methodically

Avoid high-impact movements

International Flavor Yikes! Another evening; another party (actually two—the IDEA Assistant party is tonight, too). Heading down to the pool shortly to greet each of our international members who impress me every year with their dedication to continuing education. This week I’ve met people from Russia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Australia, Canada and Mexico, to name a few countries. Tonight I will thank them for their ongoing belief in what we do. Anyone who travels half way around the world for a fitness conference is special in my book. Same goes for the hundreds of assistants Dana Rucci assembles each year. We absolutely could not put on our events without them. Can’t wait to shake some hands and thank these wonderful members. They are the rocket fuel for the passion I call my work.

Comments

Sandy Todd Webster is Editor in Chief of IDEA's publications, including the award-winning IDEA FITNESS JOURNAL and IDEA FOOD & NUTRITION TIPS, the industry's leading resources for fitness, wellness and nutrition professionals worldwide.

Sandy joined IDEA in 2001 as executive editor of IDEA PERSONAL TRAINER and IDEA FITNESS MANAGER magazines and was promoted to lead the editorial team in 2003.

More than 20 years in magazine publishing, marketing communications and creative services have shaped her straightforward approach to multi-channel communication. Early experience in Los Angeles as a sports writer/reporter, and then enriching years as a managing editor in allied health care publishing have pulled her across a spectrum of stimulating subject matter. Fitness, health and nutrition reside at the perfect center of this content continuum, she feels.

A Chicago native, Sandy grew up fully engaged in various competitive sports. Her drive and dedication as an athlete translate to a disciplined work ethic and unwavering approach to challenge in her career. Shortly after graduating journalism school from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, she was recruited to L.A. for her first post in magazine publishing. After two decades of working on magazines--and now in the throes of applying the unbelieveable multi-media content delivery options available in the magazine 2.0 world--she is still "completely in love" with the creative process it takes to deliver meaningful, inspirational content to end users.

She is an accomplished home cook and gardner who would love to combine those skills and passions with her health and fitness background to continue educating readers about a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle.